First of all, Asake is one of African music’s superstars, and indeed one of the biggest that we鈥檝e ever seen. In three years of his ascent, he has released three albums, though the first two are more critically acclaimed than the third. Nonetheless, he has remained a king of street anthems, making fans dance like nobody’s watching.
With his unique blend of Fuji, Afrobeats, and Street-Pop, Asake has taken the Nigerian music scene by storm. And with a discography full of jams, it’s hard to pick just a few faves. So, I took on the task of diving into Asake’s catalogue, ranking the 10 best of his songs and exploring what makes each one special. From the chart-toppers, fan favourites, and the often-overlooked, I鈥檝e crowned his undeniable bangers.
10.
鈥淢r. Money鈥
In August 2020, at the peak of the COVID-19 lockdown, an Amapiano jam hit the streets with the popular catchphrase, 鈥淢r. Money, can I be your only honey?鈥 This Magicsticks-produced song was everywhere, playing in clubs and parties, though Asake remained an obscure artist. It wasn’t until after his signing to YBNL that many realised that this guy had one of the biggest hits of 2020 when he was unknown. Its success birthed the remix with Zlatan Ibile and Peruzzi. This is his humble beginning in the mainstream.
9.
鈥淥mo Ope鈥 featuring Olamide
Asake kept at his Amapiano experiment and even began fusing with Afrobeats and Fuji. By 2022, Asake and his music had gained more clout and traction. He got the attention of Olamide, who featured on 鈥淥mo Ope鈥 and eventually signed Asake to his record label, YBNL. That was the dawn of greatness for Asake.
8.
鈥淢辞驳产别鈥
Relationship issues had Asake in a chokehold, and he had no choice but to voice out his emotions. He鈥檚 only available for love matters, but the problems with his insecure lover have pushed him to vices. Still, he found a strong voice that’s yielding to love, and he can’t let go. He ends the song by stating that his woman is a wonderful one. Indeed, romance over everything.
7.
鈥淣锄补锄补鈥
This song, 鈥淣zaza,鈥 is the eighth track on Mr. Money With the Vibes, Asake鈥檚 debut album. It’s an Igbo word that means 鈥淕od, please, hear my prayers.鈥 By extension, he admonishes himself to help his prayers work, after all, even the Bible says there’s no food for the lazy. He also praises himself as an important personality鈥 more or less a declaration or his prayer to fulfil his destiny to be great. His songwriting is as pristine as the heart he opens up in the song to the heavens.
6.
鈥淭别谤尘颈苍补迟辞谤鈥
This song arrested many music listeners straight from its preview on social media. 鈥淭别谤尘颈苍补迟辞谤鈥 refers to someone who goes back on an agreement or promise. In this case, it’s a babe he planned a link-up with. The song is riddled with sweet-nothings, sex talks and romantic yearnings. He even draws a comparison between his profound, persistent readiness for coitus, like a popular logistics company: 鈥淢o wa gbe e de bi Gokada, I dey deliver steady.鈥
5.
鈥淔uji Vibe鈥
In five minutes and twenty-two seconds, Asake gives an eclectic performance of pure Fuji delivered with the urgency of the current times. He sings of enjoyment and women with hypnotic auras. Interestingly, Asake had this song for a long time, but he updated it with his producer, Magicsticks and additional production from himself and The Compozers. The second half of the song switches into the thunderous and rhythmic sounds of percussion; it sounds like chaos, yet so sweet and safe. He comes fully into his Fuji act here.
4.
鈥淢惭厂鈥
Here, Asake, on his third album, Lungu Boy, eased off his Amapiano fusions and worked with another producer, P.Priime. 鈥淢MS,鈥 meaning 鈥淢r. Money Song,鈥 is a laid-back and reflective record that suggests that God is omnipresent, nothing happens without God, and all that’s in this life is vanity. Wizkid, in the second verse, expands the theme and plunges into his mom鈥檚 demise and his grief. The song feels like a deep cut.
3.
鈥淟onely at the Top鈥
This song is on Asake’s second album, Work of Art. Here, Asake has found success. He already had the biggest Nigerian debut album ever out. He has performed at the famous O2 Arena in the UK. He was at a top level he hadn’t been before. Hence, the reason why a great height sometimes is a scary territory, as he sings here.
2.
鈥沦耻苍驳产补鈥
Before the 鈥沦耻苍驳产补鈥 remix with Burna Boy, the original song dominated playlists and DJ sets. 鈥沦耻苍驳产补鈥 is a raunchy jam about laying pipe. He remembers his old flings and calls on new players willing to join him in bed. It’s apparent here that this guy has mastered how to make resonating songs that become smash hits.
1.
鈥凌别尘别尘产别谤鈥
This song calls back on the love that feels like it may slip away. He recalls all the lovely moments spent together and pleads for a continued, stress-free romance. In this romantic chase, Asake wants his love interest and the listener, by extension, to remember who he is: an undisputed show stopper, an undefeated champ, a committed lover and a big spender on his women. He makes a maverick record of 鈥淩emember.鈥 His lyricism, vim and passion are earnest.
